Pot plants seized after Chula Vista fire

Chula Vista  Authorities are investigating an indoor marijuana growing operation after firefighters putting out a house fire Thursday night found about 80 pot plants being grown in several bedrooms of a Chula Vista home.

Neighbors reported smoke and flames coming from the back of the two-story house on Pelican Point Court about 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Firefighters from Chula Vista and San Diego were able to contain the blaze within 10 to 15 minutes, said Chula Vista Deputy Fire Chief Jim Garcia.

During an initial search of the 2,200-square foot home, firefighters discovered about 80 mid- to full-sized plants. Two residents were able to escape safely and later handed police a medical marijuana card, saying they were caregivers, Garcia said.

Narcotics officers impounded the plants and the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review, police said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial findings indicate an electrical problem due to the large amount of power cords running through the house to grow the pot, Garcia said.